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Office of Financial Aid
Teachers College, Columbia University
Federal Student Aid > General Student Aid Information

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Federal Student Aid

General Student Aid Information

There are several types of student loans available to Teachers College students. To qualify for any of the federal loans, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen and must be enrolled at least half-time (six points or the equivalent) in a degree-seeking program program. The applicant must also be making satisfactory academic progress. You must also file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and include the Teachers College Federal School Code (G03979). International students may qualify for creditworthy private/alternative loans from a bank by securing a cosigner who is a US citizen or permanent resident. This is a non-federal loan. Consult with a financial aid counselor for more information.
 
Federal Student Aid Eligibility
All students requesting and receiving federal student aid must meet and maintain the following criteria:
  • must be enrolled as a matriculated student in an eligible program
  • must make satisfactory academic progress
  • must be enrolled in at least 6 credits/points per semester (or the equivalent)
  • must have resolved any drug conviction issue
Failure to meet the above requirements may result in the loss of federal student aid eligibility. Students will need to present proof of resolution to the Office of Financial Aid before aid can be offered or disbursed.  Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.

As required by the HEOA, all loan information will be reported to the National Student Loan Data System NSLDS, which can be accessed by guaranty agencies, lenders, and institutions determined to be authorized users of the data system. Please visit their website at www.nslds.ed.gov to review your federal grant and loan history and view lender and guarantor information.
 
Students interested in federal aid will be able to complete all requirements and/or keep track of their federal aid process using the following two websites:
  • www.studentloans.gov - to complete required Loan Entrance Counseling, the Electronic Master Promissory Notes (E-MPNs) and to apply for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan.
  • www.nslds.ed.gov - students can complete the Exit Cnterview requirement and view both their grant and student loan history.
In general, students can visit here for more information about federal student aid programs. Please browse our website for more information regarding student loans. Feel free to contact us with any additional questions that arise.

Returning your Federal Loan Funds
  • Before Disbursement: A student can cancel all or part of their federal loan(s) before the loan money is disbursed by submitting the 2012-2013 Loan & Work Study Change Form.
  • After Disbursement: A student can cancel all or part of their federal loan(s) by submitting the Return of Loan Funds Form (available in paper format only) to the Office of Financial Aid. This form must be completed in person within 14 days of the funds being credited to the student's account. If a refund is already paid to the student, the student must credit the amount to be returned back to the Office of Student Accounts before coming to the Office of Financial Aid to complete the form. 
Refund Checks
If loans have been processed and disbursed successfully in the first week of classes, refund checks will be issued to students by the Office of Student Accounts after the add/drop period. All questions related to refund checks must be directed to the Office of Student Accounts.


StudentAid.gov provides in-depth information on federal student aid programs, applying for financial aid, and repaying student loans. Click below to learn more!